TEF Gives $8 Million to Upgrade Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium
By: , June 24, 2014The Key Point:
The Facts
- The money will be used to install four new pitches; renovate the field and practice wicket; acquire additional nets, side screens and new flooring for the players’ area and to procure equipment.
- The improvements at the sporting facility may be a precursor to new opportunities, as the venue is being considered as a future world class cricket academy.
The Full Story
The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and Sports Development Foundation (SDF) have allocated $8 million for upgrading work at the Trelawny multi-purpose stadium.
In an interview with JIS News, General Manager of the state-run Independence Park Limited, which has oversight for the western-based stadium, Major Desmon Brown, said the money will be used to install four new pitches; renovate the field and practice wicket; acquire additional nets, side screens and new flooring for the players’ area and to procure equipment.
Mr. Brown further noted that the improvements at the sporting facility may be a precursor to new opportunities, as the venue is being considered as a future world class cricket academy.
“Overseas cricket teams seek out warmer conditions during the winter season; so we want to attract those overseas teams to come here and train,” he said.
The Trelawny multi-purpose stadium, which has a 25,000 seating capacity, was built in 2007 with a US$30 million loan from the Chinese government. Since then it has hosted several events, including warm-up matches for the 2007 Cricket World Cup Games, and for concerts.